Japeth Aguilar inspired by dad

By Nadia Trinidad, ABS-CBN News North America Bureau

CHICAGO, Illinois (UPDATED) – When United States President Barack Obama told the nation that “the best is yet to come,” he also told the world why he will always bet on America.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white, Hispanic or Asian or Native American, young or old, or rich or poor, abled, disabled, gay or straight. You can make it here in America if you’re willing to try,” Obama said following his re-election as President.

Obama’s words resonated with a young Filipino basketball player, who tells himself every day that failure will never be an option.

Japeth Aguilar was only six years old when he told his parents about his lifelong dream.

“Sinabi ko, maglalaro ako sa NBA,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar said he did not know what he was thinking back then, but over the years, he made a conscious decision every day to make his dream come true.

Last week, Aguilar took a step closer to his dream when he became the first Filipino to make it to the NBA Development League, the official minor league of the prestigious basketball organization.

“Magandang experience doon, makikita mo sila kung paano sila mag-compete,” he said. “They’re not only talented but they work hard every day.”